Security forces in the Eastern Region of Ghana have detained 38 individuals suspected of participating in illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey. Among those taken into custody, 17 are nationals of Burkina Faso and 21 are Ghanaian citizens, the Ghana Police Service has confirmed.
The arrests followed an anti-galamsey operation conducted by police and other security agencies at mining sites within the region. According to the authorities, those apprehended were found in locations where unlawful mining was reportedly taking place, in violation of Ghana’s environmental and natural resource laws.
Of the 38 suspects, several are young people, including nine juveniles aged between 13 and 17 years, who are now in custody as investigations continue.
Illegal mining, or galamsey, has been a persistent issue in Ghana, causing widespread environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies such as rivers and streams. Efforts by law enforcement and environmental agencies to curb the practice have involved periodic raids, arrests, and the seizure of equipment used for unlawful digging and mineral extraction.
Authorities are expected to charge the suspects in court as part of ongoing efforts to enforce Ghana’s mining and environmental protection laws.
